1973 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 235 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (271 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
